Donkey Kong Country Returns: Diddy's Day Out

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Because one is the loneliest number.

By Kristine Steimer

After playing through several worlds in Donkey Kong Country Returns I think there's one gameplay feature I sorely miss from Rare's original – the ability to switch back and forth between Donkey and Diddy Kong in single-player mode. In the Retro rebirth, Diddy is confined to riding on Donkey Kong's back, serving only as a health boost and jump boost with his attached jet-pack. Yeah, Diddy has a jet pack now -- I hear it's standard issue for all little monkeys. The restriction broke my heart a little because I always preferred to play as Diddy Kong – he was more agile, could jump higher and had a bad-ass cartwheel attack.

Still, not all hope is lost for Diddy fans like me. The cooperative mode in Donkey Kong Country Returns is well-implemented and features a fully functioning Diddy Kong. Reinstated with the ability to run around on his own, Diddy is really satisfying to play – he jumps ridiculously high plus has his jet-pack and he still dishes out his signature cartwheels-of-death. The gameplay in co-op mode is driven by both players – either can activate barrels and if Donkey dies, Diddy remains as the sole operator.

Exit Theatre Mode

The key to any Nintendo title nowadays seems to be "accessibility" and Donkey Kong Country Returns is no different. For those looking to play with a younger family member who might not have their dexterity skill mastered, never fear, there are features to help them out. For starters, if someone falls behind there's a quick five-second countdown and then the lagging player is magically transported to where the other one is.

If you're still worried about your children or family members not being able to execute some of the harder platforming levels, or hell, if they get tired and you don't want to drop out of cooperative mode, there's a simple solution: have Diddy climb back on Donkey's back. By pressing up on the d-pad and pushing 1 (using the Wii remote in horizontal mode), you can scramble on up to the safety of the big ape's furry shoulders and then the more experienced player can carry on.

There's one last feature up Retro's sleeve and that's the Super Guide. Essentially the "win" button, if you die eight times in a level your friendly checkpoint pig will pop up and suggest using this function. Designed for levels that are really, really, ridiculously hard for you to conquer, the Super Guide will have Super Kong, a white version of Donkey Kong, play through the level for you. The catch is that none of the bananas, banana coins, puzzle pieces or KONG letters will be added to your collection. You don't just have to watch though -- once Super Kong passes the area you've been having problems with you can jump in and play as him to finish off the level.

Retro Studios has done a nice job re-imagining the Donkey Kong Country universe. The levels are varied and difficult enough that ensures you won't be flying through the game, but not so difficult that your controller will be flying at your TV either. Of course, if you do have a problem spot, the aforementioned features should help ease you through it. You'll be able to traverse the trees with Donkey and Diddy on November 21.